How to Adjust a Residential Door Closer in 5 Easy Steps

Residential door closers are fairly simple devices. If those are not maintained regularly, they can malfunction or fail altogether. However, are your door swings open without warning? Don’t worry, This guide will explain how to adjust a residential door closer in 5 simple steps.

In brief, you need to follow these steps: locate the closer, remove screws and open the cover, check the assembly, adjust the screw & test and install it finally.

In General, adjusting residential door closers is as easy as ice cream, and only takes a few minutes. So, let’s get started with it.

5 Easy Steps on How to Adjust a Residential Door Closer

Step 1: Locate the Closer

The first step is to find the door closer. On most doors, the closer will be located on the top hinge. However, some doors have the closer on the push side of the door. If you’re not sure where your door’s closer is, take a look at the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Remove Screws and Open the Cover

If your door closer has an adjustable spring, you’ll need to open the cover so that you can access it. Firstly, take the screws out of the door closer and then take the cover off gently. When removing the cover, use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife so as not to damage the door or door closer.

Step 3: Check the Assembly

Once you have the door open, take a look at the door closer assembly. There are usually two adjustment screws on the side of the door frame, one for adjusting the speed at which the door closes and one for adjusting the speed at which the door opens. 

If your door has these screws, you can use them to adjust the speed of your door closer.

Step 4: Adjust the Screw

If the door is opening too quickly, turn the adjusting screw clockwise until you reach the desired speed. If the door is not closing completely, turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise. 

Step 5: Test and Install

Now that the door is properly adjusted, it’s time to test it out. Try opening and closing the door a few times to make sure it moves easily and well. If everything seems to be going well, then you’re done! 

To install the door closer, you will need to follow the instructions of the manufacturer. To get your door pocket handle more smooth, learn How to lubricate a pocket door here.

How Do I Adjust My Door Closer Not Closing?

I guessed you want to know more about how to adjust a door closer not closing. Well, therefore you need to follow some steps below

• Adjust the door closer power settings first. If your door closes, then you need to reduce the force of the door or the speed at which the door will close. To do this, turn the power screw clockwise.
• The second step is to adjust how far the door opens. To do this, you first need to change the sweep settings. Then p+osition the sweep screws closer to the door arm. Finally, turn counterclockwise to increase sweep or clockwise to decrease
• The last step, if you notice your door is still closing too slowly, adjust the latch speed. To do this, close the cover plate from the back of the door and find the adjustment screw Or, you know here How To Adjust Door Closer Speed?.

Turn that adjustment screw clockwise. Then when you turn, it will be difficult to close the door.

The last thing you can adjust is how far open your door can be before it starts closing automatically. The farther open your door is when starting its cycle, the longer time before closure occurs.

So if you don’t want people going through an automatic opening/closing doorway while they’re carrying something heavy or pushing a stroller, then set a shorter distance where they’ll still be able to go through without interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Adjust My Door Closer?

Absolutely! Adjusting your door closer is a relatively easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Plus, by making these adjustments yourself, you can save time and money.

What Adjustments Can I Make to a Door Closer?

You can adjust the door closer’s speed, latch speed, and backcheck. By adjusting the door closer’s speed, you can make it so the door closes slower or faster.

Do I Need to Adjust My Door Closer?

Many people think that adjusting the door closer is the only way to fix a door that doesn’t close properly. However, many other factors can contribute to a door not closing properly.

Wrapping Up

By seeing the above-mentioned five easy steps, now you should know how to adjust a residential door closer. So, you could adjust your door closer to ensure that it functions properly. 

Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance on how to adjust your particular model. 

With a little bit of effort, you can keep your door closer working like new for years.